Maria Miller, local MP for Basingstoke visited the new home for pet charity Helping Dogs and Cats UK in Feathers Lane, Basingstoke.
Maria said, “Kirsty Wrightson, founder of HDCUK is setting an inspiring example for the whole community. We are an animal loving nation but too often families take on new pets only to find out they cannot cope and those pets face being abandoned or worse. Kirsty saw the problem and did something about it by setting up HDCUK which found foster placements and permanent adoption for pets who are no longer wanted by their owners.
“The charity is doing amazing work to help animals that need caring homes, and also helping owners who have financial difficulties keep their pets when there are unexpected vet bills.
“Having helped 240 dogs and cats last year the charity found that some pets now suffer from anxiety as a result of the Pandemic and lack of social interaction. They have also helped over 50 cats post COVID who have all been found foster homes”.
The charity who won Cat Rescue Of The Year at the Animal Star Awards 2023, now has 13 dog and 16 cat foster carers who are managed by Tracy & Amy the cats’ team and Sam & Michaela who run the dogs’ team. With a Christmas SantaPaws event in December at Willows Café, Basingstoke, the charity aims to continue fostering dogs and cats who are in need and in the future, there is hope to open a dedicated sanctuary and rehabilitation centre.
Maria added, “Local charities like HDCUK fulfil an important role ensuring that animals continue to be loved and looked after. With their pet food bank enabling owners to provide food for their pets during hard times too”.
For more information go to: Helping Dogs and Cats UK - Animal Rescue, Adoption, Fostering
